Here's another report. Not the report I mentioned previously but definitely backs up the solid fishing locally.
The PREDATOR'S PEN Date: April 29/2009.
An update of the local saltwater fishing scene for Vancouver To : Saltwater Angler
By: David Korsch (Predator Charters)
E-mail:
davek@dccnet.com Web Site:
www.predatorcharters.com
Phone: (604) 329 - 8642 Fax: (604) 886 - 1928
Hello Fellow Anglers
As is typical at this time of year, the fishing off the "South end of Bowen" has really picked up. As I kind of expected, the action picked up significantly over the Easter weekend, and it has basically been good ever since. Some days are obviously better than others, and sunny calm conditions often tend to produce the best results. I do tend to find that sunny weather definitely has a positive influence on the results off South Bowen at this time of year, and of course it is always easier to fish if it is calm......
Today I was out on one of those sunny calm days, and we experienced VERY GOOD action out on the "hump" (4 miles south of Bowen). After first looking at Grace Islands early in the morning (and finding nothing) we moved out off south Bowen mid-morning, and got the gear in the water on the hump at 10:00. In 2 1/2 hours we hooked into 9 Chinook, landing 3 legal fish (11, 14, and 19 lbs), released 3 undersize, and lost 3 others of which 2 would have been legal. Excellent action any way you look at it! We have also seen the usual "hot spots" in the lower portion of Howe Sound continue to produce well, and the upper Sound is also producing fish quite regularly. The Porteau Cove/Defence Island/Furry Creek areas seem to be on again/off again so it is pretty "hit and miss", but when it is on, it has been quite hot. Not too much going on up there over the past week or so (other than the odd fish), but we could still see an exceptionally hot bite occur up here at any time.
I'd expect to see the good results continue off South Bowen over the next couple weeks anyway. Most fish getting caught are ranging from 10 to 20 lbs, though there is the odd one topping 20, and some small legal ones as well. There are not too many undersized fish in the mix, though at times you seem to encounter a school of fish around 45 cm in length. Anchovies, spoons, and hootchies are all working, and while the 80 to 120' depth range seems to be most popular, there are significant numbers of fish getting hit as shallow as 40 or 50' even in the middle of a bright sunny day.
We are also getting close to that time of year when we start to look towards Gabriola Is. and Thrasher Rock for some hot action. Typically this fishery is in full swing by mid-May, so it could begin at any time now. Remember, that this is typically an area where dragging bottom with small spoons catches the lion's share of the fish. Hootchies have been productive in recent years (especially the green/glow/spackleback), and anchovies do take fish at times.
At this time of year, weather is still a factor at times, but when it is nice the longer daylight hours and evenings are really starting to make the days on the water enjoyable. Don't be afraid to call even with less than a day's notice, as that can still often work out at this time of year.
As always, feel free to pass this information along to any associates whom may appreciate the report. If you have any questions, or wish to book a charter, e-mail me
davek@dccnet.com), or call me at (604) 329 - 8642.
Tight Lines,
David Korsch
Predator Charters
www.predatorcharters.com
davek@dccnet.com
(604) 329 - 8642
